Some 23 learners from last year’s Grade Eight to Grade 11 classes were rewarded for their efforts.
The top two learners in each grade received special blazers, certificates and/or trophies.
Deputy principal Jabulani Mnisi said they wanted to compliment and acknowledge the learners for their good performances.
Mnisi said such acknowledgement is not common in township schools. “We used to see it in urban schools,” Mnisi told Kathorus MAIL. “This will encourage learners to do well and at the same time it will change their mind-set.”
Explaining the importance of awarding special blazers to top achievers, Mnisi said this will make the teachers’ jobs easier, as they will be teaching learners who are motivated.
“The blazers will make them look different and special,” he said. “At the same time it will motivate others to do well, as they will want to have the blazers as well. It will keep learners on their toes, as it will be taken away from them if they slip and get lesser marks. In short, it will encourage healthy competition.”
Phakamani Mtshali of PK Print Zone, the company that sponsored the event, said he had to give back to the community that supports his business.
“My company is based in Johannesburg but I receive huge support from the Vosloorus community,” said Mtshali. “The reason why I had to help is because I want to bring about change in the community. I want to support township schools so that they will achieve similar results as the schools in towns.”
Mtshali appealed to parents to keep their children in township schools. “The sylabus is the same. Learners in expensive schools in towns get similar education as the education these learners get here.”
Mtshali said he would like to do more for the community. “With more support I get from the community, I would like my company to give away bursaries to the needy children of the community. That is my plan for the future.”
He invited more schools to come forward if they want his company to sponsor them. He can be contacted on 082 210 5838.
Grade Nine learners who were rewarded for their Grade Eight achievements were: Ndwandwe Luyanda, Naledi Banda (both received special blazers, trophies and certificates), Sibusiso Mncwango, Nhlanhla Ntlini and Thabang Serero (received certificates and trophies).
Grade 10 learners who were rewarded for their Grade Nine achievements were: Nene Fanele, Kabelo Ramokonopi (blazers, trophies and certificates), Thato Tembe, Luyolo Klaas and Fikile Magasela (certificates and trophies).
Grade 11 learners who were rewarded for their Grade 10 achievements were: Sinethemba Veni, Thando Khumalo (blazers, trophies and certificates), Nasiphi Mqonqo, Philasande Msukwini and Ayanda Nkosi (certificates and trophies).
Grade 12 learners who were rewarded for their Grade 11 achievements were: Lungile Msibi, Ntandokazi Zingitwa (blazers, certificates and trophies), Buthanani Makhalima, Neo Diseko, Lungile Mhlaba, Sinovuyo Mbhele, Njabulo Manyathi and Thembisile Mokoena (certificates and trophies).
